MR imaging of fetal brain abnormalities using a HASTE sequence

HASTE (half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo) is a sequence that enables T2 weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images to be obtained in a few seconds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of this sequence in the diagnosis of fetal cerebral abnormalities. Five fetuses suspected of having cerebral abnormalities on ultrasound examination were studied by MR imaging using the HASTE sequence in utero. We compared the images with post-natal MR images or computed tomography (CT) scans. In four fetuses, the abnormality was diagnosed correctly, and the diagnosis was almost correct in the remaining fetus. This sequence is useful because it provides images of diagnostic quality in a very short scanning time.